"Being Heumann," an Apple Original Films production, officially opens in select theaters following considerable anticipation. The feature film stars acclaimed actor Ruth Madeley, who has spina bifida, stepping into the formidable shoes of Judy Heumann, a tireless campaigner widely revered as the "mother of the disability rights movement."
The dramatic feature is rooted in the compelling real-life history detailed in Heumann’s own memoir, "Being Heumann." The narrative centers on a defining historical moment: the historic 1977 sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building. During this pivotal protest, Heumann successfully led a coalition of more than a hundred people with disabilities in a nearly monthlong occupation of the federal facility.
The sustained, high-profile protest was organized to pressure the federal government into finally issuing regulations to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This landmark civil rights provision legally prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including the mandate that federal spaces and federally funded programs be fully accessible. Prior to the protest, the regulations had languished in bureaucratic limbo for years, rendering the statutory protection largely toothless until the 504 sit-in forced the government’s hand.
In explicit recognition of the legislation and its historic anniversary, major exhibitor Regal Cinemas announced that it is partnering with Apple Original Films to celebrate the theatrical rollout. To ensure the film is widely accessible and honors the legacy of the movement, Regal is offering open-caption showtimes across more than 100 locations nationwide. In a symbolic nod to the act itself, tickets for these special screenings will be priced at precisely $5.04.
The nationwide cinematic release follows the film’s high-profile premiere earlier in the autumn season. "Being Heumann" served as a prominent opening-night selection at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in September, where it drew significant critical attention and praise from audiences and industry professionals alike.
The production boasts an impressive creative pedigree behind and in front of the camera. The film is directed by acclaimed Academy Award winner Siân Heder. Heder previously achieved widespread critical acclaim and historic awards success with "CODA," the heartwarming and groundbreaking drama that became the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Her hand in directing "Being Heumann" brings a proven sensitivity and authenticity to representing marginalized communities on the big screen.
Heder’s new directorial effort features a stellar ensemble cast supporting lead actor Ruth Madeley. The film stars notable names including Mark Ruffalo, Dylan O’Brien, and Madeline Delp, blending high-profile cinematic talent with authentic representation to tell a story that reshaped the American civil rights landscape.
For audiences preferring to view the film from home or those without participating theaters nearby, "Being Heumann" will not remain an exclusive theatrical release for long. Following its initial run in select cinemas, the movie is scheduled to expand its reach significantly when it becomes available to stream globally on Apple TV, giving home viewers worldwide access to the inspiring historical drama.
